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The irony is that they were originally supposed to provide all of those things: https://99percentinvisible.org/episode/the-gruen-effect/ https://99percentinvis

by seanc 9y ago

The irony is that they were originally supposed to provide all of those things: https://99percentinvisible.org/episode/the-gruen-effect/ https://99percentinvisible.org/episode/the-gruen-effect/

jsight 9y ago
Yeah, but it really feels like they have gotten away from the original vision. I remember when malls had arcades (ok, and outdated concept in itself) and regular community events. But it seems like these don't produce enough revenue, so malls have optimized themselves into a revenue model that removes their natural appeal as a third place. I think that malls could make a huge comeback with a focus on events that naturally draw people in and an emphasis on the kinds of high-touch products that people generally do prefer to buy in person.
- pm90 9y ago
  > (ok, and outdated concept in itself) Is it really though? I miss the arcade machines of old. I wonder if anyone has tried bringing some of that concept back...
  - ChickeNES 9y ago
    People have, there are many "barcades" in large cities around the US. As the name suggests they combine alcohol, food, and arcade/pinball machines (depending on the location I've seen free to play and token machines)
  - jsight 9y ago
    There have been some attempts, I guess. Dave & Busters seems to do pretty well, but these seem to be targeted at adults and the games are nothing like the old days, IMO. I feel like the arcade concept could potentially be brought back, but it would require some creative thinking.
- yourapostasy 9y ago
  > I think that malls could make a huge comeback with a focus on events that naturally draw people in and an emphasis on the kinds of high-touch products that people generally do prefer to buy in person. Land prices in the cities where malls are developed have inflated past the carrying capacity of the prevailing disposable income in the same areas.

by seanc 9y ago

The irony is that they were originally supposed to provide all of those things: https://99percentinvisible.org/episode/the-gruen-effect/ https://99percentinvisible.org/episode/the-gruen-effect/

jsight 9y ago

Yeah, but it really feels like they have gotten away from the original vision. I remember when malls had arcades (ok, and outdated concept in itself) and regular community events. But it seems like these don't produce enough revenue, so malls have optimized themselves into a revenue model that removes their natural appeal as a third place. I think that malls could make a huge comeback with a focus on events that naturally draw people in and an emphasis on the kinds of high-touch products that people generally do prefer to buy in person.

pm90 9y ago
> (ok, and outdated concept in itself) Is it really though? I miss the arcade machines of old. I wonder if anyone has tried bringing some of that concept back...
- ChickeNES 9y ago
  People have, there are many "barcades" in large cities around the US. As the name suggests they combine alcohol, food, and arcade/pinball machines (depending on the location I've seen free to play and token machines)
- jsight 9y ago
  There have been some attempts, I guess. Dave & Busters seems to do pretty well, but these seem to be targeted at adults and the games are nothing like the old days, IMO. I feel like the arcade concept could potentially be brought back, but it would require some creative thinking.
yourapostasy 9y ago
> I think that malls could make a huge comeback with a focus on events that naturally draw people in and an emphasis on the kinds of high-touch products that people generally do prefer to buy in person. Land prices in the cities where malls are developed have inflated past the carrying capacity of the prevailing disposable income in the same areas.